If you’re a fan of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup, you might be wondering whether it’s a healthy option or not. While broccoli is known to be a nutritious vegetable, the soup’s cream and cheese base may raise some concerns about its overall nutritional value. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup to determine whether it’s a healthy choice for you.
Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup is a popular menu item that is loved by many. However, it’s important to note that the soup’s nutritional value may not be as beneficial as you think. While broccoli is a great source of vitamins and minerals, the soup’s high calorie and sodium content may outweigh its nutritional benefits. In the following sections, we’ll examine the nutritional breakdown of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup and explore its potential health benefits and risks.
Key Takeaways
- Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup is high in calories and sodium, which may outweigh its nutritional benefits.
- Despite containing broccoli, the soup’s cream and cheese base may raise concerns about its overall nutritional value.
- If you’re looking for a healthier soup option, you may want to consider other alternatives with lower calorie and sodium content.
Overview of Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup
If you’re a fan of Panera Bread, you’ve probably tried their famous broccoli cheddar soup. This soup is a classic comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with chunks of broccoli. But is Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup healthy? Let’s take a closer look.
According to the Panera Bread website, their broccoli cheddar soup is made with “chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, and select seasonings simmered in a velvety smooth cheese sauce.” The soup is served with a baguette on the side.
One serving of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup (8 oz) contains 230 calories, 16g of fat, 10g of saturated fat, 800mg of sodium, 14g of carbohydrates, 2g of fiber, 5g of sugar, and 10g of protein. It also contains 15% of your daily calcium and 4% of your daily iron.
While the soup is high in calories and fat, it does contain some beneficial nutrients like calcium and protein. However, it’s also high in sodium, which can be a concern for those watching their salt intake.
Overall, Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, but it’s not the healthiest option on the menu. If you’re looking for a lower calorie and lower sodium option, you may want to consider the low-fat vegetarian garden vegetable soup or the turkey chili instead.
Nutritional Breakdown
If you’re watching your calorie intake, it’s important to know that Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not a low-calorie option. A cup of the soup contains around 230 calories, while a bread bowl can have up to 900 calories. However, the soup does contain some beneficial nutrients.
Here is a breakdown of the nutritional information for Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup:
| Nutrient | Cup (8 oz) | Bowl (16 oz) | Bread Bowl (22 oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 230 | 360 | 900 |
| Total Fat | 13 g | 21 g | 47 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g | 14 g | 28 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g | 0 g | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg | 70 mg | 115 mg |
| Sodium | 670 mg | 1,330 mg | 2,300 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 18 g | 24 g | 85 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g | 2 g | 3 g |
| Total Sugars | 6 g | 8 g | 11 g |
| Protein | 9 g | 16 g | 23 g |
As you can see, the soup is high in fat, especially saturated fat, and sodium. However, it does contain some fiber and protein. If you’re watching your sodium intake, it’s best to avoid the bread bowl option, as it contains over 2,000 mg of sodium.
Overall, while Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup may not be the healthiest option on the menu, it can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Caloric Content
If you are watching your calorie intake, it is essential to know the caloric content of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup. According to the Panera Bread website, a bowl of their broccoli cheddar soup contains 370 calories. However, the caloric content varies depending on the size you choose. FastFoodNutrition.org reports that the cup size contains 230 calories, while the bread bowl size contains 900 calories.
It is crucial to note that the caloric content of the soup is not the only factor to consider when determining whether it is healthy. The nutritional composition of the soup is also essential. Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup contains 13-21 grams of fat and 9-35 grams of protein, depending on the size you choose.
While the soup is a good source of protein, it is also high in fat and sodium. SereneLifeJourney.com reports that one cup of broccoli cheddar soup at Zoup! contains 290 calories, 20 grams of fat, 60% of your daily saturated fat, and a shocking 1190 mg of sodium.
In summary, while Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup may be a delicious option, it is not the healthiest choice if you are watching your calorie, fat, and sodium intake. If you still want to enjoy the soup, consider choosing a smaller size and pairing it with a healthier option, such as a salad or a side of fresh fruit.
Is Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Healthy?
If you’re a fan of Panera Bread, you may have tried their popular Broccoli Cheddar Soup. But is it a healthy choice? Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional information.
Calories from Fat
According to Serenelifejourney.com, Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is high in calories and fat. A 12 oz. serving contains 19g of fat and 230 calories from fat. This is about 35% of the recommended daily value for fat intake.
Calories from Carbohydrates
The same 12 oz. serving of Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup contains 20g of carbohydrates and 4g of fiber. This means that you are consuming 16g of net carbs per serving. While this may not seem like a lot, it can add up quickly if you are following a low-carb diet.
Calories from Protein
Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup contains 12g of protein per serving. While this is a decent amount of protein, it is important to note that the protein in this soup comes from milk protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and soy protein isolate, which are not “natural” sources of protein, according to Fooducate.com.
Overall, while Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup does contain essential nutrients from the broccoli, such as fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you are looking for a healthier option, you may want to try making a homemade version using fresh ingredients and less cheese and cream.
Vitamin and Mineral Content
Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals. One cup of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup contains:
- Vitamin A: 30% of the daily recommended intake.
- Calcium: 35% of the daily recommended intake.
- Vitamin C: 40% of the daily recommended intake.
- Iron: 6% of the daily recommended intake.
Broccoli is the main ingredient in the soup and is a good source of vitamins and minerals. Broccoli is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium. It also contains antioxidants that help protect against cell damage.
Cheddar cheese is another ingredient in the soup and is a good source of calcium and phosphorus. Calcium is important for strong bones and teeth, while phosphorus is essential for healthy cell function.
Overall, Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup provides a good balance of vitamins and minerals. However, it is important to note that the soup is also high in calories, fat, and sodium. It is recommended to consume this soup in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Sodium Content
If you’re watching your sodium intake, you may want to be cautious when ordering Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup. According to 8 Minute Fitness, a cup of the soup contains 760 mg of sodium, while a bowl has 1,520 mg. This is quite high, considering the American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to no more than 2,300 mg per day, with an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 mg per day for most adults.
It’s worth noting that Panera does offer a low-sodium version of the soup, which contains 290 mg of sodium per cup, but it may not be available at all locations. If you’re concerned about your sodium intake, you may want to ask if this option is available before placing your order.
If you do decide to indulge in the regular version of the soup, you may want to be mindful of your sodium intake for the rest of the day. Consider balancing it out with lower-sodium meals and snacks, and drink plenty of water to help flush excess sodium out of your system.
Sugar Content
Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup contains 6g of sugar per serving, which is relatively low compared to other soups on their menu. However, it is important to note that the American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake to no more than 25g per day for women and 36g per day for men.
While the sugar content in Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup is not high, it is still important to be mindful of your overall sugar intake throughout the day. If you are concerned about your sugar intake, you may want to consider pairing the soup with a side salad or a piece of fruit to balance out your meal.
It is also worth noting that some of the other menu items at Panera, such as their sweet pastries and sugary drinks, can be high in added sugars. If you are looking to reduce your sugar intake, it may be best to avoid these items and opt for healthier options instead.
Overall, while the sugar content in Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup is relatively low, it is still important to be mindful of your overall sugar intake throughout the day and to make healthy choices when it comes to your meals and snacks.
Dietary Fiber Content
If you are looking for a soup that is high in dietary fiber, Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup may not be the best option. According to FastFoodNutrition.org, a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup contains only 3 grams of dietary fiber. This is only 12% of the recommended daily value for fiber.
While broccoli is a good source of dietary fiber, the amount of fiber in the soup is likely reduced due to the high fat and calorie content. As Serenelifejourney.com notes, the soup is high in calories and fat, with 360 calories and 21 grams of fat per bowl. This may be due to the use of heavy cream and cheese in the recipe.
If you are looking to increase your fiber intake, you may want to consider other soup options at Panera, such as the low-fat vegetarian black bean soup or the low-fat chicken noodle soup. Both of these soups contain more dietary fiber than the broccoli cheddar soup, with 8 grams and 4 grams of fiber per bowl, respectively.
Overall, while Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup may be a tasty option, it may not be the best choice if you are looking to increase your dietary fiber intake.
Protein Content
If you are looking for a soup that is high in protein, Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup may not be the best option. According to FastFoodNutrition.org, the soup contains between 9-35 grams of protein, depending on the size you choose. While this may not seem like a small amount, it is important to remember that the soup is also high in fat and calories.
The protein in Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup comes from a combination of milk protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and soy protein isolate, according to Fooducate. While it is fine to get some of your protein from supplemented items, it is not ideal to get protein only from processed goods.
If you are looking to increase your protein intake, you may want to consider pairing your soup with a protein-rich side, such as a chicken or turkey sandwich, or a salad with grilled chicken. This will help to balance out the macronutrient content of your meal and keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer.
Health Benefits and Risks
Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup is a popular menu item, but is it healthy? Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits and risks of this soup.
Health Benefits
Broccoli is the main ingredient in this soup, and it is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is packed with vitamins and minerals. Broccoli is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium. It is also high in fiber, which can help promote digestive health and keep you feeling full.
The cheese in this soup provides a good source of calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth. However, it is important to note that some versions of this soup may contain processed cheese, which can be high in sodium and unhealthy fats.
Health Risks
One of the main concerns with Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup is its high calorie and fat content. A single serving of this soup can contain up to 400 calories and 20 grams of fat. This can be a concern if you are watching your calorie or fat intake.
Additionally, some versions of this soup may contain added sugars, preservatives, and other additives. It is important to read the nutrition label and ingredient list carefully to make an informed decision about whether this soup is right for you.
Overall, while Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup does have some health benefits, it is important to consume it in moderation and be mindful of its calorie and fat content.
Is Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Healthy?
If you are a fan of Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you may be wondering whether it is a healthy option or not. In this section, we will discuss the benefits and risks of consuming this popular soup.
Benefits
Broccoli is a superfood that is packed with nutrients such as vitamins C, K, and A, fiber, and antioxidants. It is also low in calories, making it an excellent choice for those who are watching their weight. Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup contains broccoli as its main ingredient, which means that you can get all the benefits of this superfood in a delicious and convenient way.
Risks
While Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a tasty and satisfying meal, it is not without its risks. One cup of this soup at Zoup! contains a staggering 290 calories, 20 grams of fat, 60% of your daily saturated fat, and a shocking 1190 mg of sodium. This means that consuming this soup regularly can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and other health problems.
To make the soup healthier, you can try making a homemade version using fresh broccoli, low-fat milk, and reduced-fat cheese. This will help you control the amount of fat, sodium, and calories in the soup, making it a more nutritious option.
In conclusion, while Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup contains healthy ingredients such as broccoli, it is not a healthy option due to its high calorie, fat, and sodium content. If you enjoy this soup, try making a healthier version at home to enjoy all the benefits of broccoli without the risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ingredients in Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup?
According to the Panera Bread website, the ingredients in their broccoli cheddar soup include water, milk, broccoli, pasteurized process cheddar cheese, heavy cream, carrots, corn starch, onions, sea salt, garlic, and spices.
How many calories are in a bowl of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup?
One bowl of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup contains about 330 calories, according to the Panera Bread website.
What is the nutritional value of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup?
One bowl of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup contains 21g of fat, 17g of carbohydrates, 12g of protein, and 970mg of sodium, according to the Panera Bread website.
Does Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup contain added sugar?
No, according to the Panera Bread website, their broccoli cheddar soup does not contain added sugar.
Is Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup a healthy option?
It depends on your individual dietary needs and preferences. While Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup does contain some beneficial ingredients like broccoli and milk, it is also high in fat and sodium. One bowl of the soup contains 60% of your daily recommended intake of saturated fat and nearly 1000mg of sodium. It may be best to enjoy this soup in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Does Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup have a high carb content?
One bowl of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup contains 17g of carbohydrates, according to the Panera Bread website. While this is not an excessive amount of carbohydrates, it may be important to consider if you are following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.